Segmented block copolymers with terephthalic-extended poly(ethylene oxide) segments

Segmented block copolymers comprised of flexible PEO segments and monodisperse crystallizable bisestertetraamide segments have been synthesized. The influence of the terephthalic units in the soft phase on the transitions and the thermal mechanical and elastic properties are studied. The presence of terephthalic units in the copolymer increases the glass transition temperature of the soft phase by 5 °C. The low-temperature flexibility of the copolymers is improved because of the lower crystallinity and melting temperature of PEO. With the use of terephthalic-extended PEO segments, segmented block copolymers with low moduli (G' < 15 MPa) and good elastic properties could be obtained.